Volvo Q&A

2008 Volvo C30 Question: TIRE CUPPING

My volvo has 48,000.I am on my second set of pirelli tires.There is cupping on the inside fronts.I thought I had rotated enough.Is a bent part possible or do I just need an alignment with a new set of tires? I doubt it was aligned after the first set of performance summers wore out

I have a 2006 Volvo XC90. The original set of tires were dangerous at 20,000 miles. Had to be replaced. We chose Pirelli again, silly mistake; this set has 17,000 and has to be replaced. Two sets of tires in about half the time that a good set of tires would last. Not at all impressed with Pirelli or with Volvo for not standing behind the tires.

It has nothing to do with alignment most likely. The camber on the rear Control Arms is set at 2 degrees. This is for better handling however it has the effect of wearing out the inner front tires. You MUST religiously rotate your tires every 2-3k if you intend to drive the car as it is.

Volvo has relized they set the rear camber too aggresive. (In my opinion) the original intended market for the car was likely a sportier type of buyer.

Volvo has since created new Control Arms with less camber for normal folk who don't intend to drive in a "sporty" manner. It may cost a little up front but the money you will save in tire wear will win out. Even having 1.5 degrees of Camber in the back vs 2 will provide better tire wear.